Red Bull's confusing policy proven in one statement by Marko

The expression, nothing changes like the weather, could, in a way, apply to Red Bull Racing. What is the absolute truth for the Austrian team one day can be the opposite the next. There is no longer any measure for Red Bull's actions and beliefs.

Just four months ago Red Bull Racing's management saw Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen's ideal teammate. At the time, CEO and team principal Christian Horner, and chief advisor Helmut Marko, deliberately chose a youngster with development potential over a more experienced Tsunoda.

But two poor race weekends on, it is precisely the Japanese who has suddenly become more important, according to Marko's words.

He told Formel1.de: "Yuki is in his fifth year and routine under such difficult conditions is an important factor. Yuki has repeatedly shown that he was actually the right man for Red Bull Racing."

Tsunoda, unseen by Red Bull for years

Experience? Not needed at all, was what Red Bull wanted the world to believe last December. That Lawson had a "higher ceiling" than Tsunoda had been decisive in the choice at the time. Even if the promoted driver had only 11 Grands Prix to his name until then.

And yes, Tsunoda had demonstrated several times in recent years at Racing Bulls that he deserved a spot in the main team. But regardless of what the Japanese driver was able to achieved, he was not perceived by Red Bull's leadership that way.

Why not? It was an open secret that Horner was not keen on Tsunoda. That the hard numbers said otherwise seemed irrelevant.

However, two weeks into the 2025 season with Lawson made it clear that Red Bull had to do a u-turn on their message.

There was not much choice either, to try and fix what was wrong - namely Lawson's demotion to Racing Bulls.

Now it remains to be seen just for how long it will be a good thing that Tsunoda has just those years of experience in F1 and indeed deserves that spot alongside Verstappen.

This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica.

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